Guests - Dominic Escamilla, Laurie Moore, Mark Beckman, Betsy Smith

Election Day for CD7 Special Election

Today marks an important election day for Congressional District 7's special election. Voters are encouraged to participate regardless of political affiliation. This election could bring significant change to Arizona's border region, where security issues remain paramount. According to recent statements, 50% of drugs entering the United States come through Arizona's border.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and remain open until 7 p.m. Pima County represents the largest population center within this congressional district. This shortened term presents an opportunity to test Republican representation in an area traditionally held by Democrats for over two decades.

The Republican candidate, Daniel Boutierras, is being positioned as a chance for change in CD7. For those wanting to join the election night watch party, it will be held at Brother John's Beer, Bourbon and BBQ at 1801 North Stone Avenue from 6 p.m. onward.

Reflections on Charlie Kirk's Memorial Service

Dominic Escamilla shared his personal experience attending Charlie Kirk's memorial service on Sunday. Despite standing in long lines and walking considerable distances in the heat, Escamilla described the event as deeply moving and spiritually powerful.

"I knew it was going to be real positive and I knew the name of Jesus was going to be lifted up, but I've never been in a room like that where the presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable and powerful and lingering," Escamilla recounted.

The service featured Christian musicians performing together without ego, which deeply moved Escamilla's daughter who had previously struggled to secure tickets to see these performers individually. Political figures spoke openly about their faith, with Marco Rubio delivering what Escamilla described as essentially an evangelical message.

Erica Kirk, Charlie's widow, delivered a particularly poignant speech. Having given only two public addresses since her husband's assassination, her composure and forgiveness toward her husband's killer struck Escamilla deeply. "It was almost like I lost my breath," he said, describing the moment she spoke to a completely silent crowd of 70,000 people.

Escamilla, who has experienced personal loss himself, attributed Erica's strength to faith and prayer support. "If you've ever experienced loss in your life and you have people praying for you, the strength that you get, it's undeniable... I knew that was people praying for me because I had strength that wasn't mine."

The memorial service drew approximately 100 million viewers worldwide who stayed connected for the full five-hour event. This massive audience demonstrates the impact of Charlie Kirk's life and work.

Charlie Kirk's Legacy

Charlie Kirk's memorial service revealed the extensive reach of his influence. Despite his short life, Kirk built a substantial body of work that will continue without him. His organization, Turning Point USA, has reportedly received 75,000 requests for new high school chapters following his death—far exceeding his goal of 20,000 chapters.

"His goal was 20,000. One day to have 20,000... He had 28,000," noted one commentator. "This is what I love about free speech... You may have taken his voice. You may have taken his voice on this planet. You did not take away his life's work."

Kirk's impact extended to college campuses nationwide, including an event at the University of Arizona that drew 4,500 students. His ability to connect with young people and change hearts and minds about faith, family, and values was frequently mentioned throughout the discussion.

The memorial service brought together a diverse group of attendees from across the political spectrum, united in their respect for Kirk's contributions. Speakers emphasized that the event transcended politics, focusing instead on faith and belief in God. As one commentator put it: "This wasn't about politics on Sunday... This was about our faith and our belief in God. That's all it was about."

Media Reactions and Political Discourse

The discussion turned to media reactions to Kirk's assassination and memorial service. Jimmy Kimmel faced criticism for comments made following Kirk's death, including allegedly mischaracterizing the shooter's political affiliations. Several radio stations reportedly decided not to air Kimmel's show in response.

The conversation highlighted concerns about media polarization and misrepresentation. As one participant noted: "Honest people... that don't know about him are going to seek out his videos and hear him in his own words before believing that he's a racist, sexist, homophobe, bigot... You can't watch any of his videos and see that."

AI's Role in Preventing Political Violence

Mark Beckman, author of "Some Future Day: How AI is Going to Change Everything," discussed how artificial intelligence might help prevent future political attacks.

"I think that artificial intelligence can and will play a significant role," Beckman explained, though he acknowledged the delicate balance between security and individual rights. He described how drones equipped with AI are already being used for high-profile security, scanning buildings before presidential arrivals.

Beckman noted that many attackers leave digital evidence online before committing violence. "These digital crumbs, these red flags are common now... A lot of these killers, these assassins, school shooters, for example, they'll go and leave evidence online." According to Beckman, 49% of school shootings include advance data left online by perpetrators, which AI could potentially identify.

The discussion also touched on Melania Trump's work with AI, particularly her announcement of "Fostering the Future Together," a global coalition focused on children's development and AI education. This initiative aims to provide technological tools to children worldwide, share best practices internationally, and create a global branding effort around these educational goals.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, announced that her organization has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the office of the mayor of Chicago. The request seeks detailed records on crimes committed by illegal immigrants in Chicago, including data on arrests, recidivism, victimization, and associated policing costs.

"If we succeed in doing this in the city of Chicago, we can do this around the country. We can do this in the city of Tucson," Smith explained. She criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's comments characterizing law enforcement and incarceration as a "sickness" and expressed concern about his stance on police presence in minority neighborhoods.

The discussion also addressed President Trump's plan to improve law enforcement in high-crime cities, beginning with Memphis, Tennessee. The strategy involves deploying federal agents and National Guard troops to demonstrate effective crime reduction approaches that could be replicated elsewhere.

Smith highlighted the increasing attacks on ICE agents, noting a 2,000% increase nationwide. She criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent signing of bills she characterized as designed to hamper federal immigration enforcement, including what Newsom called the "No Secret Police Act," which prohibits law enforcement from wearing face coverings.

"The governor of California and the legislature of California has zero jurisdiction over the federal government," Smith noted, adding that the laws would primarily affect state and local law enforcement while potentially endangering ICE agents.

Political Climate and Security Concerns

The conversation addressed the increasingly volatile political climate, including reports of buttons being distributed at an Ohio county fair with messages like "Is he dead yet?" and "86 45" that could be interpreted as advocating violence against former President Trump.

This heightened tension was evident at Charlie Kirk's memorial service, where for the first time, Trump and administration officials spoke from behind bulletproof glass—a security measure Trump reportedly resisted but the Secret Service insisted upon.

The discussion emphasized the importance of respectful political debate and fact-based conversations, with Smith noting: "We have to have uncomfortable conversations about these issues. And as Republicans, we have got to talk about who is committing crime in our cities... We've got to talk about the infiltration of the cartels."

Throughout the show, the hosts repeatedly encouraged CD7 voters to participate in the day's special election, framing it as an opportunity to address border security concerns and improve quality of life in the district.